In the heart of Notting Hill’s bustling food scene, a new must-visit spot has emerged, offering something fresh and exciting for food lovers—Ria’s, a Detroit-style pizza and natural wine restaurant. Founded by tech professionals turned restaurateurs, Ria and Dave, Ria’s has made waves with its focused menu, inviting atmosphere, and a strong commitment to sustainability and fair wages. We sat down with married couple Ria and Dave to talk about their journey, the inspiration behind Ria’s, and what sets their restaurant apart in a city full of culinary heavyweights.
Ria and Dave’s journey into the culinary world wasn’t a straight path. Both had successful careers in the tech industry before deciding to pivot into the restaurant business. When asked about what prompted the change, Ria shared, “It was a mix of passion and opportunity. We both love food and wine, and we had been dreaming about starting something of our own for years. The pandemic and my being laid off from my tech job gave us the push we needed to actually go for it.”
Dave added, “Above all, we wanted to create a space that felt like home, where people could come together over really good food and drink. The idea of Detroit-style pizza came up because it’s something different—there aren’t many places in London doing it, and we knew we could put our spin on it.”
For those unfamiliar with Detroit-style pizza, it’s known for its rectangular shape, thick yet airy crust, and crispy, cheesy edges. It’s a far cry from the more common Neapolitan or New York-style pizzas, and that’s exactly why Ria and Dave were drawn to it.
“We wanted to offer something that stood out,” Ria explained. “Detroit-style pizza is hearty and satisfying, but it also allows for a lot of creativity with toppings. Plus, the crispy edges are just irresistible.”
Dave chimed in, “It’s comfort food, but elevated. We’re using high-quality ingredients and experimenting with flavours that you wouldn’t typically find on a pizza. For example, one of our most popular pizzas has truffle honey and ricotta—it’s a unique combination that people are really loving.”
In addition to their standout pizzas, Ria’s has garnered attention for its curated selection of natural wines. Natural wines, which are made with minimal intervention in the winemaking process, have been gaining popularity for their unique flavours and more sustainable production methods.
“Wine is a huge part of what we do,” said Ria. “We wanted to introduce people to natural wines because they’re so diverse and interesting. A lot of people are used to the more conventional wines, but natural wines have this depth and character that really complement our food.”
Dave added, “We work closely with small producers who are passionate about what they do. It’s important to us to support winemakers who share our values of sustainability and quality. Plus, it’s fun to see our customers discover new favourites that they might not have tried otherwise.”
But Ria’s isn’t just about the food and drink—the atmosphere is equally crucial. Ria and Dave wanted to create a space that felt welcoming and comfortable, a place where people could unwind and enjoy themselves. “We were really intentional about the design and layout,” said Ria. “We wanted it to feel cosy and intimate, like you’re hanging out in a friend’s living room. The lighting is warm, the seating is comfortable, and there’s a real sense of community. We want people to feel like they can stay awhile.”
Dave agreed, adding, “It’s all about creating an experience. From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel at home. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a long dinner with friends, we want you to leave feeling like you’ve had a great time.”
Beyond the dining experience they’ve created, Ria’s is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. “We believe in doing things the right way,” said Ria. “That means sourcing our ingredients responsibly, reducing waste, and paying our staff fair wages. The restaurant industry can be tough, and we want to create an environment where our team feels valued and supported.”
Dave added, “It’s about more than just making good food. It’s about making a positive impact. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and be more sustainable, whether that’s through our packaging, our sourcing, or how we run the day-to-day operations. It’s a journey, and we’re committed to it.”
Opening a restaurant is no small feat, especially right now. When asked about the challenges they’ve faced, Ria and Dave were candid about the ups and downs. “It hasn’t been easy,” Ria admitted. “There are so many moving parts to running a restaurant, and we’ve had to learn a lot on the fly. But it’s also been incredibly rewarding. Seeing people enjoy what we’ve created makes it all worth it.”
Dave shared, “The learning curve has been steep, but we’ve been fortunate to have a great team and a supportive community. We’re constantly evolving and figuring out what works best for our customers and our business.”
As Ria’s continues to grow, Ria and Dave have big plans for the future. They’re excited to keep experimenting with their menu and expanding their offerings, as well as opening a second site in another area of London, all while staying true to their core values. “We’re always thinking about what’s next,” said Ria. “We want to keep pushing our own boundaries and offering something new and exciting. But at the same time, we want to stay true to what makes Ria’s special—great food, great wine, and a welcoming atmosphere.”
Dave added, “We’re not just building a restaurant; we’re building a community. We want Ria’s to be a place where people feel connected, whether it’s through the food, the wine, or just the experience of being here.”
If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s both familiar and fresh, Ria’s is the place to be. With their unique take on Detroit-style pizza, a carefully curated wine list, and a commitment to sustainability and fair practices, Ria and Dave have created something precious in the heart of Notting Hill. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado, a wine enthusiast, or just someone who loves good food and good vibes, Ria’s is a must-visit spot in London and trust us—it’ll likely become your new favourite spot.
